First solo flight

Film review: Solo: A Star Wars Story

MANILA, Philippines — When you consider that Star Wars IX will still hit the screens in 2019, it would seem that Solo: A Star Wars Story is something of a gift egg from Lucasfilm and Disney for all those holding their breath in anticipation of the next chapter. A foray into the early life of Han Solo, there were some production hitches before the film arrived onscreen — due to creative differences, Ron Howard took on the directing duties from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (best known for The Lego Movie). Fast-paced, appealing and very mainstream, this is an enjoyable early summer release that should cater to a broad cross-section of the movie-going public. Just wondering if it’s a little too safe, and predictable.

The film opens on the dystopian Corellia, introducing us to Young Han (Alden Ehrenreich) and Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke). When tragic circumstances force them apart, Han embarks on a succession of forays that help establish his charming rogue personality. We encounter the likes of old familiars Chewbacca, a young Lando (Donald Glover), newcomers Beckett (Woody Harrelson), Val (Thandie Newton), Dryden (Paul Bettany), and the interesting droid L3 (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge).

It would seem the screenplay is ticking off a checklist of Solo references made in A New Hope, and now giving it texture story-wise. This is great for dyed-in-the-wool fans of the franchise, as during the preview I caught, there could be heard audible “Ahhs.” This formula is most successful when the infamous card game is played, resulting in Lando’s Millennium Falcon making its appearance. In fact, if the first half of the film is serviceable, but rather mainstream and merely satisfying expectations; the appearance of the Falcon jumpstarts this portion of the film, and we get the feel of true adventure coming into play.

It’s also here that Lando’s droid L3 is introduced and it’s definitely a she-droid, and the most anthromorphic droid creation so far, replete with feelings for Lando and dreaming of equal rights. It’s actually funny to note that future droids (the ones we’re so familiar with, actually regress and have less of a personality than this L3). The Falcon and L3 are, for me, the most interesting things in Solo. Thanks to them, and knowing how Qi’ra will still figure in the life of Han, there is hope for this breakaway franchise.

Ehrenreich and Glover make for an interesting Young Han and Young Lando; and you kind of wish there was more screen time and banter between the two. More of the seeds of why the cynical, gruff and wise-cracking Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford, came to be.